65. Navigating Loss of Identity & Grief with Gina Moffa

How can adjusting your expectations during times of loss lead to a more resilient mindset?   In this episode, Gina Moffa and Amanda have a candid conversation about navigating grief and loss. They discuss the importance of understanding how it can manifest in physical symptoms and why it's essential to equip yourself with tools to move through these emotions. They also delve into how to adjust expectations during times of loss, as well as how to protect oneself and be prepared for anything that comes up. They explore the idea that positive changes can bring about a sense of loss and grief, such as transitioning from drinking alcohol to becoming sober.   Listen in and discover tangible advice on navigating this new landscape without feeling isolated in your pain or ashamed of not knowing how to connect with others!   Gina is a licensed psychotherapist, mental health educator, and media consultant in New York City. In practice for nearly two decades, she has helped thousands of people seeking treatment for trauma and grief, as well as challenging life experiences and transitions.     [00:01 - 08:01] Opening Segment • Gina shares her story of experiencing grief and how to move through it with ease Losing her mom, her job, and her home all within the same week • Gina's book Moving On Doesn't Mean Letting Go Tools for navigating grief and loss   [08:02 - 15:49] Navigating Loss and Grief: Equipping Ourselves for the Inevitable • Grief is a full-body experience and can manifest in physical ailments It is important to tend to our bodies and not ignore it • Our past experiences flavor how we process grief • Equip ourselves for loss, as none of us will get through life unscathed by it   [15:50 - 23:12] Adjusting Expectations and Understanding Grief • Grief is not just feeling sad or angry, but many things • How adjusting expectations and understanding grief experience is ever-shifting • Accept help and support in an authentic way that feels good • Befriend and engage triggers to navigate around them   [23:13 - 31:28] The Loss of Identity & Friendship as You Shift from a Drinker to a Non-Drinker • It's challenging to know what we need and who to ask it of when feeling vulnerable • People don't always know how to support those in grief • Having gone through specific losses can help us show up better for others • Navigating the transition from drinker to non-drinker is brave and may lead to shifts in friend groups   [31:29 - 39:08] Moving On Doesn't Mean Letting Go • How navigating a new lifestyle without alcohol can be difficult and cause a sense of loss • It is vital to have conversations about this transition with tenderness and understanding. • Authentic connection, love, caring, witnessing, and safety are the most effective healing tools • Reaching out for help is courageous and necessary in times of grief or loss   [39:09 - 46:55] Closing Segment • How to empower people to move forward while still honoring their loss • Society often tells people to 'let go' and 'move on,' but this doesn't mean severing the connection • Grief is a reflection of the love we had, and it should be honored in whatever way feels important to us     Want to connect with Gina? Follow her on Instagram. Head to her website to navigate the tough times!     Don't miss out on this opportunity to embark on your journey of healing & growth. Get your copy of Moving On Doesn't Mean Letting Go: A Modern Guide to Navigating Loss     Key Quotes:   "You forget that our history flavors, whatever losses we have before, whatever traumas we have before are always going to be remembered in our nervous system." - Gina Moffa   "Solitude is wonderful; isolation can be dangerous." - Gina Moffa   "It's just important that we're very present with what our needs are at all given times and be able to communicate them as best we can. And it's not always easy because sometimes we don't even know what we need." - Gina Moffa   "No matter what it is, whatever the loss, whatever change, the most important thing we have and the most effective healing tool in my mind is the authentic connection, love, caring, witnessing, and a sense of being safe to be you." - Gina Moffa       Learn more by connecting with Amanda through Instagram or visit AmandaKuda.com.    It's time to unbottle your potential! Join the Awaken without Alcohol Program, where you'll learn the combined power of elective sobriety, spirituality & manifestation.   If you liked the show, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, and subscribe through your favorite streaming platform!